APA’s interview with Professor of the Johns Hopkins University Frederick Starr.
– How can the decision of the U.S. Congress on allocating direct aid to Nagorno Karabakh influence Azerbaijan-US relations?
– I think it was an unfortunate mistake. It is important to make a distinction between an allocation by congressional vote and actual expenditure of the money. My guess is that the money will not be spent. This was a gesture made under pressure from Armenian lobbies. We will find ways of not acting on this.
– But it is not the first time when the Congress passes such decisions…
– And often they are reversed in action. Even though I regret it and consider it a mistake I believe that the administration should intervene to prevent it. Having said that I do not think it is going to actually be spent and I think it will be neutralized.
– How can this fact impact on the negotiations on the resolution of Nagorno Karabakh conflict? Because the US is one of the co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group.
– I do not think it will impact on the negotiation process. I think this small and insignificant gesture has no meaning at all, it will not affect the Minsk process.
– Many experts said that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict could be solved this year. But unfortunately, it did not happen. What are your forecasts concerning it?
-I believe that Azerbaijan’s diplomacy in 2009 has been very effective. There have been unfortunate initiatives during this time which seem to push Karabakh into the background and by very patient and yet very firm measures President Ilham Aliyev and Foreign Minister Mammadyarov have effectively reminded the world that this question will not disappear and I think in 2010 there will be much greater clarity than there was in 2009. Does this mean that there will be a solution in 2010? I think we do not know the answer. Anyone of goodwill hopes very much there will be and hopes that 900,000 citizens of Azerbaijan can start making plans to return to their homes.
-How do you assess Turkey’s role in this process? We would like to know your forecasts concerning the protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia.
-Turkey’s role has shifted dramatically from month to month. But I think the consistent element is that Turkey having had problems with its relations with Europe is now seeking a new role for itself in the South Caucasus and dreams somehow of becoming a part of outside force in the region. My personal impression is that the Caucasus does not need more outside forces, it needs stronger inside forces and security in the Caucasus can be generated from within.
APA
